The "Official" Back to School Letter from Dave Danielski

Welcome Back to WHS for 2018-19

The "Official" Back to School Letter from Dave Danielski

Dear WHS Families,

Last year we embraced our "Learning and Leading like Champions" Theme. This year's theme builds upon the great work that we started with empowering our students to become leaders.

Our 2018-19 WHS School Theme is "All S.T.A.R. Learners and Leaders." It may seem simple, however, there are some subtleties that I would like to emphasize.

First, the word ALL is important. It signals that all students can be learners and leaders, each in their own way. We will want to find how all of our students can take on leadership roles this 2018-19 school year.

Secondly, in an effort to embrace our "Star" mascot, our theme includes an acronym. Students Taking Action & Responsibility (S.T.A.R.).

Students taking action and responsibility for their learning is aligned to the definition of success that I would like to promote at Hammerschmidt. That is, "Success is defined by taking action to improve." To the extent that we can help empower our school community to take action to improve, we will become "All S.T.A.R. Learners and Leaders!"

https://youtu.be/B9OzVoFWRBE

Have you completed your student's 2018-19 school year registration yet?

Sign in today to verify and update any phone numbers, health concerns or emergency contacts.

Also, pay your registration fees by August 8th to avoid a late fee of $20 per a student.

Staffing Update for 2018-19

Each new school year provides us an opportunity to extend our well-wishes and welcomes to some outgoing and incoming staff members. The staff changes for 2018-2019 are outlined below.

Best Wishes to Mrs. Space and Mr. Ferrara!

Sue Space

Please join me is wishing Sue Space the best of luck as she embarks on a new journey away from District 44. Sue recently accepted a position as a Special Education Facilitator in West Chicago. Sue has been a force of support and stability at WHS and D44 for many years. She will be missed!

Frank Ferrara

We wish Frank Ferrara the best of luck as he transitions to the Instructional Facilitator role at Madison School! His experience at many different grade levels over the years has prepared him well for this next adventure!

Familiar Faces in New Roles:

Amanda Hagenbart

Mandy Hagenbart will join the Grade 1 Team. Her expertise in literacy will serve her well as she takes on this new role at Hammerschmidt.

Erica Born

After serving as D44's Literacy Coordinator for several years, Erica returns to our WHS Staff roster to serve as our Literacy Support Specialist.

Lyndsey Liverar

Hi! My name is Lyndsey Liverar and I am very excited to be joining the first grade team! I moved to Illinois last year with my husband Aaron and three year old son Christian. We have since added another son to our family, Luke, who is almost a year old. I graduated from Southeast Missouri State University and have eight years of teaching experience in kindergarten, first, and second grade. Teaching is my passion and I greatly look forward to the coming school year!

Sufia Haque

Sufia Haque will join WHS as an Instructional Assistant.

"Hi, my name is Sufia Haque. I recently graduated from North Central College as an elementary education major and have had the opportunity to work with diverse groups of students. I'm looking forward to continuing this by joining the Hammerschmidt School community as an instructional assistant. In addition to teaching, some of my favorite things include spending time with family, chocolate, reading, and watching The Office. I've always had a love for school and working with children, so I am excited to start this new adventure! I look forward to meeting and working with everyone!"

Brianna Meath

Brianna will join WHS as an Instructional Assistant.

"Hi! My name is Brianna Meath and I recently graduated from Lewis University with my Elementary Education degree with an endorsement in ESL. I love to travel and spend my free time with my family, friends, and one year old black lab named Tucker! I look forward to meeting everyone and having a great school year!"

Upcoming Dates to Note:

Thursday, 8/9- PTA Supply Kit pick up. If you ordered a school supply kit from the PTA, you can come pick it up from 5:30- 7:00 p.m. at the A.P.R. (Use Door #3)

Friday, 8/10- PTA Supply Kit pick up. If you ordered a school supply kit from the PTA, you can come pick it up from 8:00- 9:30 a.m. at the A.P.R. (Use Door #3)

Teacher Assignments

As a parent of school-age children myself, I am astutely aware of the anticipation of finding out which classroom students have been assigned and to and who else may be in their class.

Hard copy letters with a class placement sticker will be mailed out on Monday, August 6th. Arrival to your home mailbox should be no later than Wednesday, August 8th.

** New Kindergarten students will not be assigned a permanent classroom teacher until after the second week of school. Individual assessments will help our team balance the students into three heterogenous classrooms.***

Classroom Sneak Peek & Supply Drop Off:

The annual Classroom Sneak Peek & Student Supply Drop Off period will take place on Tuesday, August 14th from 12:45- 1:15 p.m.

Parents and students are welcome to come and get a sneak peek in their child's classroom. This is also a great time to drop off any school supplies that would make it easier on in the first day.

This opportunity will last from 12:45- 1:15 p.m.

The Classroom Sneak Peek & Student Supply Drop Off is completely OPTIONAL. If you are unable to attend, students can bring their supplies on the first day of school.

WHS PTA Popsicle Social

Immediately after the classroom "Sneak Peek" and supply drop-off, please join WHS families on the WHS Learn and Play Gardens for a "Popsicle" social.